Indoor / In-Person Worship
Updated COVID Protocols as of July 6, 2022
For the purpose of COVID, the term “up to date” means:
• Youth ages 5 – 18 and Adults over 18 to 49
o Johnson & Johnson = 1 Vaccine Dose + 1 Booster
o Pfizer or Moderna = 2 Vaccine Doses + 1 Booster
• Adults 50 and Older
o Johnson & Johnson = 1 Vaccine Dose + 2 Boosters
o Pfizer or Moderna = 2 Vaccine Doses + 2 Boosters
Masks and Safety:
Although many in the congregation may be up to date with their vaccinations (see above), we recognize that COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months to 5 years, have only become available as of mid-June 2022. Therefore, we ask that everyone planning to attend our indoor / in-person service be sensitive to social distancing rules when around small children.
Masks are now optional for the St Margaret’s congregation. However, if you feel at all sick, please stay home and consider watching us on livestream instead. If you have recently had COVID, or if you have recently been placed at risk but have tested negative after having waited 5 days, please wear a mask for the first couple of Sundays to ensure church safety.
All singers, soloists, cantors, readers, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers may decide for themselves if they wish to wear a mask, but anyone using the lectern must sanitize the lectern and microphone after they finish.
All are asked to respect the space of others for proper social distancing while seated, as well as when receiving communion and moving about. Social distancing is 3-feet apart from one another. You may sit with friends at this time but must respect spacing.
During the offering of the peace, we will continue to NOT shake hands or hug; please just wave to one another to offer a visual sign of the peace.
Ushers will no longer do temperature checks upon entry, and the checklist will be discontinued. Ushers will, however, get new attendees to complete a welcoming card with their contact information so that we have a way to reach everyone in service should a risk of COVID occur.
Collection plates are once again being passed through the aisles, and we encourage all to consider giving. Bibles, Hymnals, and the Book of Common Prayer have been returned to the pews as of late-May.
We cannot reiterate enough the importance of anyone who feels unwell, whether or not they think it is just a cold or allergies, or simply unsure if they have been in contact with someone who may have COVID, making the decision to stay home and watch the online service instead. If you have had contact with someone but have tested negative after 5 days since your contact with that person, you may attend church, but we ask that you remain masked for two Sundays to be certain of your own health and to help us protect the rest of the congregation.
A member of the Vestry has been placed in charge as the COVID contact person, should you feel you are at risk or have tested positive. Please see your bulletin or weekly newsletter for that contact information. If you are unsure of who to reach out to, contact your Vestry Shepherd.
Vestry Shepherd List: *
Eleana Boyer B-Co
Chris Hempel Cr-Fre
John-Richard Pagan Fro-Hi
Eleana Boyer Ho-Mc
Alton Tucker Mo-Q
Kai Jacobs-Pollock R-Sh
Jill Holley St-Z
* Please see the parish online directory for vestry member contact information.
Sanitizer Use:
Please use the freely offered sanitizer to sanitize your hands upon entering the church and after using the restrooms. Sanitizer will also be used prior to receiving Holy Communion. If you are allergic to the sanitizer, please bring an acceptable alternative for your use.
For the purpose of fellowship, coffee hour will continue after the service, in the Parish Hall. Most food (EXCEPTIONS: cakes, cupcakes, and fruit) will be individually packaged for your safety and comfort, in knowing that we are here to protect your health. Masks are now optional for the St Margaret’s congregation.
Coffee Hour:
Per the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, “Clergy in charge of congregations have authority to make the decision in their specific and local context regarding masking, social distancing, receptions and other gatherings.”
In our current circumstances (with the absence of an on-site clergy authority), a Regathering Committee, comprised of members from St. Margaret’s Episcopal and Woodbridge Seventh-Day Adventist Churches, has been meeting regularly to review COVID-19 Protocols and present recommendations to the Vestry for approval.